The Watchtower, June 1, 1977

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The Watchtower — June 1, 1977

Source: jw.org

Contents

Will “Getting Ahead” Bring You Happiness?

Combating Bible Illiteracy in France

What Did the Wise Man Mean?

Appreciating Those Who Practice Their Faith

‘A Door Leading to Activity Opens’

Can You Enter the Open Door?

Insight on the News

Making Melody to Jehovah with Instrumental Music

Mourning and Funerals—For Whom?

Astonishing Judgments from God

Examinations Yet Ahead for a Graduating Class

What Happens to Us When We Die

Will “Getting Ahead” Bring You Happiness?

TODAY’S business and social world is very competitive. As some say, ‘It’s a rat race.’ Generally there is a struggle for promotion, either for more money or for more power. Status is eagerly sought. Does it bring happiness?

Dr. Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull, in their book The Peter Principle, make the observation that, in every organization having a pyramidal structure (with the top job or jobs at the apex), there is generally a desire on the part of everyone to get a higher position. The more important the title the higher the status. But, the book’s authors say, the result is that everyone tends eventually to reach his level of incompetence. A person may be very competent in a lesser job, but the organization tends to promote such persons until they reach a job they cannot handle.

The book gives several half-humorous but realistic illustrations, one of which is:

“E. Tinker was exceptionally zealous and intelligent as an apprentice at G. Reece Auto Repair, Inc., and soon rose to journeyman mechanic. In this job he showed outstanding ability in diagnosing obscure faults, and endless patience in correcting them. He was promoted to foreman of the repair shop.

“But here his love of things mechanical and his perfectionism become liabilities. He will undertake any job that he thinks looks interesting, no matter how busy the shop may be. ‘We’ll work it in somehow,’ he says. . . .

“He meddles constantly. He is seldom to be found at his desk. He is usually up to his elbows in a dismantled motor and while the man who should be doing the work stands watching, other workmen sit around waiting to be assigned new tasks. As a result the shop is always overcrowded with work, always in a muddle, and delivery times are often missed. Tinker . . . was a competent mechanic, but is now an incompetent foreman.”

The condition of executives or employees who have reached their level of incompetence is classified by Mr. Peter as “the Final Placement Syndrome.” Frustrated by their incompetence, whether they realize the cause or not, they often develop ulcers, high blood pressure and numerous other physical problems, and even strange mental aberrations. Their superiors are often unwilling to “lose face” by demoting them, so they remain in their uncomfortable position for an indefinite time. Such persons have status among those who are not aware of their incompetence, but are they happy?

This situation is not new. King Solomon, the wisest king of ancient times, observed the occupations and aspirations of mankind. He concluded: “I myself have seen all the hard work and all the proficiency in work, that it means the rivalry [or, envy] of one toward another; this also is vanity and a striving after the wind.”—Eccl. 4:4.

About rivalry, Solomon had more to say in the book of Proverbs. He said: “A calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism, but jealousy [or, rivalry] is rottenness to the bones.” (Prov. 14:30) This explains the ulcers and other forms of actual physical sickness that come to those who join in the envious, rival spirit of constantly seeking higher status.

Of course, it is not wrong to seek to do one’s best, and to do everything in a wholehearted way—to “reach out,” as it were, to do better work and achieve greater accomplishment, within one’s ability. But the Bible gives us the goal to aim at, rather than riches or status. It counsels: “Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah [God], and not to men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the due reward.” (Col. 3:23, 24) The true reward, which includes peace of mind and contentment, is better than status with worry.

Jesus Christ warned against status seeking when he said:

“When you are invited by someone to a marriage feast, do not lie down [recline at the meal table] in the most prominent place. Perhaps someone more distinguished than you may at the time have been invited by him, and he that invited you and him will come and say to you, ‘Let this man have the place.’ And then you will start off with shame to occupy the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, that when the man that has invited you comes he will say to you, ‘Friend, go on up higher.’ Then you will have honor in front of all your fellow guests.”—Luke 14:8-10.

Just as it is with status, so also with riches. The outcome to the one who makes riches his goal is described by the apostle Paul. He wrote to his co-worker Timothy: “Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.” (1 Tim. 6:9, 10) These pains may be physical, mental or spiritual, and can cause great unhappiness and loss of the really important things in living.

On the other hand, Jesus did not say that people should not have money or enjoy some of the fine material things of life. He was no ascetic or recluse. He ate at the homes of people, some of them rich people, who invited him to meals and to marriage feasts. He had a mantle that the soldiers who nailed him to the stake thought valuable enough to divide among four of them, and a one-piece garment that they did not want to ruin by dividing, but for which they cast lots. (Luke 5:27-29; 19:1-6; John 2:1-10; 19:23, 24) Of course, Jesus found critics because he enjoyed these good things. He answered them:

“John [the Baptizer] came neither eating nor drinking, yet people say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of man did come eating and drinking, still people say, ‘Look! A man gluttonous and given to drinking wine, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ All the same, wisdom is proved righteous by its works.” (Matt. 11:18, 19) Jesus’ balance in the matter and his works demonstrated that he was not seeking riches or status. The fact was that his opponents were seekers of these things and judged him according to their corrupt viewpoint.

So no one should find fault with another who has or makes money. It is his own affair. Neither should his position or wealth be envied by others. And if the person is not dishonest and if he controls his wealth instead of letting his wealth control him, he can be content. Such a person will help others with what he has. In fact, the apostle Paul recommends for people that they should not be unconcerned or aimless, but should have self-respect and a purpose in life. He said that Christians ‘by working with quietness should eat food that they themselves earn,’ and that a person should “do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work, that he may have something to distribute to someone in need.”—2 Thess. 3:12; Eph. 4:28.

By learning and applying the wise principles of the Bible, which are the words of the Creator, who knows human nature thoroughly, one can find great gain in the form of contentment and can avoid the many ‘stab wounds’ received by the seeker of riches and status.—1 Tim. 6:6, 10.

Combating Bible Illiteracy in France

“ILLITERACY” and “France” may strike many readers as words that are incompatible. The French have a reputation of being very proud of their culture. This is understandable, for French literature is among the richest in the world. The standard of education being quite high in France, illiteracy in the general sense of the term is well-nigh nonexistent.

Yet there is a field where the education of the French is sadly lacking, namely, knowledge of the Bible. However, they are not to blame for this dearth of Bible knowledge. Whose fault, then, is it?

The popes of Rome called France “the eldest daughter of the Church.” Even today 85 percent of the French consider themselves to be Catholics. When one learns that before the French Revolution there was one priest for every 110 French men, women and children, and that as recently as 1970 there was one priest, monk or nun for every 297 inhabitants, one will readily agree that the Roman Catholic Church has had a wonderful opportunity to teach the French people the Bible. But, instead, she has kept them in ignorance of the Word of God.

Yes, until recent times, Bible illiteracy among the laity was the consistent policy of the Catholic Hierarchy. In 1229, the Council of Toulouse (France) decreed: “We forbid the laity to have in their possession any copy of the books of the Old and New Testaments.” In 1564, Pope Pius IV forbade the reading of the Bible in the vulgar tongue. In 1897, Pope Leo XIII stated: “ . . . if Bibles in the vulgar tongue are authorized without discernment, . . . more harm than good results.”

A four-volume Manuel Biblique published in Paris in 1905 for the use of future Catholic priests states: “The Church does not allow indiscriminate reading of the Holy Books, especially the Old Testament.” As recently as 1955, Daniel-Rops, Catholic author, spoke about its being “commonplace to hear people repeat that . . . a Catholic should not read the Bible.”

True, since the 1950’s a number of French Catholic Bibles have been published, such as the Jerusalem Bible, but these are quite expensive. Consequently they have not found their way into many French homes. All of which explains the amazing fact that one of the most cultured peoples on earth is, for the most part, made up of Bible illiterates.

AN UNPRECEDENTED BIBLE EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN

Such then was the situation in France when the small group of less than 2,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses resumed their Bible educational work after the war, in 1946. How could this tiny group hope to reach the then over 40 million inhabitants of this Catholic country?

They did what Christ told his followers to do, namely: “Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations . . . and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you.” (Matt. 28:19, 20, Jerusalem Bible [Je]) They courageously “preached . . . in private houses,” and went from house to house to distribute Bibles and Bible-study literature.—Acts 5:42, Je.

Over the years this group of zealous Christians has grown in number from a mere 1,985 in 1946 to 63,428 in 1976, these figures being the average number of Witnesses sharing each month in Bible educational work. During this thirty-one-year period, they have devoted over one hundred million hours to defeating Bible illiteracy in France. They have distributed at cost price 6,680,584 Bibles and Bible-study manuals, not to speak of well over a hundred million booklets and magazines, every one of which contains enlightening explanations of the Holy Scriptures.

While for years Jehovah’s Witnesses in France used current French-language Catholic and Protestant Bibles to teach the people Scriptural truths, since 1974 their efforts have been greatly facilitated. That year, the Watch Tower Society (publishers for Jehovah’s Witnesses) printed the French edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and made it available to the public for a voluntary contribution several times lower than the price of the cheapest Protestant and Catholic Bibles. Thus, thanks to the untiring efforts of the voluntary workers in the Watch Tower printery, the poorest French family can now obtain an unabridged copy of God’s Word. During the past two and a half years, some 700,000 copies of this excellent Bible translation have been shipped out to the French congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses for distribution among the public.

But the efforts of Jehovah’s Witnesses to spread Bible education in France have not been limited to distributing Bibles and religious literature. Since the second world war, they have made no less than 47,556,317 return visits on people who have shown interest in the Bible message, and at the time of this writing they are conducting free weekly Bible discussions in nearly forty thousand French homes.

In comparison, what are the some 44,000 Catholic priests, the 22,000 monks and the over 100,000 nuns doing to combat Bible illiteracy in France? Precious little, judging by the following testimonies given by ex-Catholics who have been helped by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

HELPING CATHOLICS TO DISCOVER THE BIBLE

From Montchanin, in east-central France, comes the following report: “My parents died when I was thirteen. A Catholic sisterhood took me in. Years went by, and I decided to undertake the novitiate [with a view to becoming a nun]. I spent three years in a convent in India, where I took my temporary vows. Next I was sent to the Seychelles islands, then to Ireland, and finally to France, near Carcassonne. I was now twenty-five, and the time had come for me to take my perpetual vows. But, disliking the heavy, hypocritical atmosphere of the convents, I refused. My mother superior put me out to service with a French family, who gave me much work but little pay. It was then that I met my future husband. He spoke to me about Bible truth. In spite of all my religious education, I had never heard of God’s personal name—Jehovah. . . . I thought that this man who someday would become my husband was mad, but he remained calm. This made me think, so I accepted a Bible study with the help of the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. I asked many questions. This little book taught me more about the Bible than did all the learning I had received during the thirteen years I had spent in various convents. My wish now is that many nuns might hear the wonderful good news of the Kingdom and, like me, become real ‘sisters’ who know their God.”

Brittany, a picturesque peninsula that separates the Bay of Biscay from the English Channel, is one of the provinces of France that has best preserved its traditions. It has kept alive its Breton language and also its attachment to the Catholic religion. However, recent changes, contradictions and crises within the Roman Church have opened the eyes of numerous Bretons who conformed to Catholic traditions out of a sincere desire to please God. Many of them reason as follows: ‘I have faithfully followed Catholic traditions all my life because my priest told me that these things were necessary in order to have God’s approval. Now he tells me such things as meatless Fridays are no longer necessary. For me it is one thing or the other. Either the Church has been wrong all along, in which case I have been deceived all my life, or the Church is going astray today.’ Obviously, such sincere Catholics need help. They are receiving it from the some sixty congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses that are combating Bible illiteracy in Brittany.

Take the case of a man of over seventy in Brest, France’s westernmost seaport. He had been brought up in a devout Catholic family. He was educated in a school run by friars. He then studied for the priesthood in a seminary, where he was initiated in Thomist theology-philosophy and learned English, Latin and Greek. At the age of twenty-four and a half, just before taking his solemn vows for the priesthood, he decided to quit what he called the atmosphere of “blue mystery” in which he had been living. One would think that after having spent so many years studying in Catholic institutions this man would have an excellent knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. Yet he confesses: “I had to wait until my seventy-second year before getting to know the Bible and recognizing its truthfulness,” through one of Jehovah’s Witnesses who studied with him free of charge for two years. He adds: “I should like to thank and congratulate this [Witness] for his patience and humility.” This man is himself now a baptized Witness who helps still others to understand the Bible.

From Arles, a historical town in southern France, probably best known throughout the world for Bizet’s music L’Arlésienne (The Girl from Arles), an ex-Catholic writes the following: “I was a practicing Catholic, educated entirely in Catholic schools, and I was an active member of Catholic Action. After going through university I became a philosophy teacher in a Catholic school run by nuns. I also held catechism classes for senior students. I first met one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in February 1974. . . . Confident in my knowledge of the Bible, of philosophy and in my experience as a debater, I accepted an invitation to discuss matters. I raised many objections, but, to my great surprise, I received calm, precise and well-documented answers. . . . I perceived, to my shame, that I actually knew little or nothing about the Holy Scriptures. . . . I also knew very well that Christendom had borrowed much from Greek philosophy.” This sincere Catholic accepted a home Bible study and ended up by quitting the Catholic Church and resigning from his position as philosophy teacher in a Catholic school. He accepted a menial job, and he and his wife became baptized Witnesses at the Divine Sovereignty district assembly held in 1975. He concludes his report by saying: “Today, my mind is no longer polluted by Babylonian mysteries and philosophical gobbledygook. My wife and I are really happy, and we appreciate Jehovah’s blessings.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses in France rejoice at having been able to help so many honest Catholics to discover the wonderful truths outlined in the Bible.

BIBLE KNOWLEDGE IMPROVES FAMILY LIFE AND HELPS DELINQUENTS

Combating Bible illiteracy brings many rewards. Not only does Bible knowledge give people a wonderful hope for the future, but it also brings immediate benefits in terms of practical living.

For instance, in a mountainous region of eastern France there was a couple with five children: three sons and two daughters. The husband often came home drunk, and the three sons wore long hair and eccentric dress, took girls out at night and would come home in the wee hours of the morning. One day, the eldest son subscribed for the Awake! magazine offered to him by a Witness at work. He became interested in the Bible, and soon he and his two brothers were studying the Scriptures with the help of a Witness. Within three months they had completed the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life and went on to study deeper Bible truths.

As the study progressed, their hair got shorter, their clothes became more pleasing and their conduct improved. Noticing this, the father, the mother and the two daughters joined in the study. The marked improvement in their family life so impressed another family of seven that these too began studying the Bible. The youngest son of the first family succeeded in arousing the interest of one of his schoolteachers, who also consented to study the Bible. Thus, within a year, fifteen persons dedicated their lives to Jehovah God and were baptized. Several of the sons and daughters of these two families are now full-time proclaimers of the Good News.

Or take the case of that professional poker player living in a town at the foot of the Pyrenees, who for ten years spent his nights playing cards in cafés, driving his wife and three daughters to despair. Nothing had been able to deliver him from this vice until he agreed to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Bible knowledge not only freed him from his life of idleness, but also brought back happiness to his family, who discovered the truthfulness of Paul’s statement that “godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.”—1 Tim. 4:8.

Do not these true-life examples prove what a powerful force for good the Bible can be in people’s lives, and why the fight against Bible illiteracy is so important?

On April 14, 1976, 123,696 persons were present in the Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout France to celebrate the Memorial of Christ’s death. This shows that thousands of people are interested in the hope given by God’s Word, and doubtless many more thousands are yet to be found and taught. Jehovah’s Witnesses will therefore continue to do their utmost to combat Bible illiteracy in France.

[Picture on page 326]

Les Saintes Ecritures Traduction du monde nouveau Available for a voluntary contribution several times lower than the cheapest Protestant or Catholic Bible in French

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La Vérité qui conduit à La Vie Éternelle “This little book taught me more about the Bible than did all the learning I had received during the thirteen years I had spent in various convents.”

What Did the Wise Man Mean?

Possessions Without Enjoyment

In his survey of human affairs, wise King Solomon did not overlook the circumstances that often make it impossible for people to enjoy what they have.

Regarding one situation, he wrote: “There exists a calamity that I have seen under the sun, and it is frequent among mankind: a man to whom the true God gives riches and material possessions and glory and who, for his soul, is in no need of anything that he shows himself longing for, and yet the true God does not enable him to eat from it, although a mere foreigner may eat it. This is vanity and it is a bad sickness.”—Eccl. 6:1, 2.

The Almighty permits any individual to use his God-given abilities to acquire possessions and to gain recognition or glory among his contemporaries. In that sense Solomon could rightly speak of God as ‘giving’ riches, material possessions and glory to such a man. Sadly, however, though a man may have everything, circumstances may prevent his enjoying those possessions.

He may have tasty food and, yet, because of some stomach or intestinal disorder, be unable to enjoy it. The case of Nebuchadnezzar provides an interesting illustration. He gained the position of world ruler at Babylon. Then, Jehovah God humiliated him on account of his pride, depriving him of his sanity. The delights of the palace, including fine food and excellent wine, no longer had any appeal to Nebuchadnezzar. Imagining himself to be a beast, he left the luxurious palace and subsisted on grass like a bull. While Nebuchadnezzar was missing out on the pleasures of palace life, ‘mere foreigners’ benefited from his riches. Truly what befell Nebuchadnezzar was a severe malady, “a bad sickness,” for seven years.—Dan. 4:28-37.

Next, Solomon pointed out that long life and a large family in themselves are not enough for a satisfied, contented life. He continues: “If a man should become a father a hundred times, and he should live many years, so that numerous the days of his years should become, yet his own soul is not satisfied with good things and even the grave has not become his [perhaps meaning that he longs for the grave, as did Job in his affliction (Job 3:11-22)], I must say that one prematurely born is better off than he is. For in vain has this [prematurely born] one come and in darkness he goes away, and with darkness his own name will be covered. Even the sun itself he has not seen, neither known. This one has rest rather than the former one. Even supposing that he has lived a thousand years twice over and yet he has not seen what is good, is it not to just one place that everyone is going?”—Eccl. 6:3-6.

Really, without one’s being able to get any enjoyment from life, of what value are even a long life and many children? Whether rich or poor, young or old, at death all go to but one place—gravedom. For the man who gets no real joy in living, a long life just means more problems and troubles over a longer period than for one who dies young. The one prematurely born, a stillborn baby, is better off in the sense of never having to endure all the hardships of an empty, frustrated life.

Solomon writes further: “All the hard work of mankind is for their mouth, but even their own soul does not get filled. For what advantage does the wise have over the stupid one? What does the afflicted one have in knowing how to walk in front of the living ones? Better is the seeing by the eyes than the walking about of the soul. This too is vanity and a striving after the wind.”—Eccl. 6:7-9.

People work hard to get what they need to keep themselves alive; they work “for their mouth.” Yet this seldom satisfies their many desires, their soulful longings. The wise but discontented man may try to suppress troublesome desires, whereas the fool gives in to them, exercising no restraint. This was apparently the basis for Solomon’s questions: “For what advantage does the wise have over the stupid one? What does the afflicted one have in knowing how to walk in front of the living ones?” In the sense that both the wise and the stupid one have nagging desires, the wise person has no advantage. Similarly, the afflicted one may know how to conceal his disturbing desires before others, but this still does not remove them. Unfulfilled, they continue to trouble him. He, too, is no better off than the fool. So the truly wise course is for a person to be content, enjoying what he has, what he can see with his eyes, instead of longingly looking at something else, letting soulful desire deprive him of peace.

Another factor that can interfere with contentment is a failure to recognize that many things simply cannot be changed. Solomon stated: “Whatever has come to be, its name has already been pronounced, and it has become known what man is; and he is not able to plead his cause with one that is more powerful than he is.” (Eccl. 6:10) A man may attain riches and position. But he remains nothing more than the first man was pronounced to be, earthling man, ’‏a·dhamʹ, a Hebrew designation drawn from a root meaning “red” or “ruddy.” Yes, he continues to be an earthling, a mortal. So he cannot make any bargain to keep himself alive indefinitely. The psalmist expressed this thought as follows: “Not one of them can by any means redeem even a brother, nor give to God a ransom for him; (and the redemption price of their soul is so precious that it has ceased to time indefinite) that he should still live forever and not see the pit.”—Ps. 49:7-9.

At best, in this system of things, life is very uncertain. Time and circumstance befall all, adding to the uncertainty. For this reason, Solomon raised these questions: “Because there exist many things that are causing much vanity, what advantage does a man have? For who is there knowing what good a man has in life for the number of the days of his vain life, when he spends them like a shadow? For who can tell man what will happen after him under the sun?”—Eccl. 6:11, 12.

In view of the fact that death ends all of a person’s striving and struggling, what real advantage is there in what material possessions or prominence a man may acquire? Who really can say just which worldly goal—riches, prominence, power—is worth striving for? How often people think that something is desirable and, then, after obtaining it, are disappointed, perhaps even bitter. The fact that life is so brief, ‘passing like a shadow,’ only adds to the aggravation. There is no way to regain time and redirect one’s efforts toward another goal. Furthermore, because there is no way of determining what will happen after a person’s death, pursuing materialistic goals in behalf of children and grandchildren, to the exclusion of spiritual things, does not lead to real satisfaction either.

How forcefully the wise man’s words illustrate the need for being content, getting wholesome enjoyment out of life! Rather than letting materialistic desires build up, the truly wise person concentrates on maintaining a good relationship with God.

Appreciating Those Who Practice Their Faith

A MAGAZINE reporter in Korea met one of Jehovah’s Witnesses who told him of the paradise hope, and of people not getting sick or dying. He thought, “This man does not appear to be abnormal, but how can intelligent people believe such things?” He determined to write a magazine article to expose the way simple people are taken by religion. To this end, he started to attend meetings and to study with the Witnesses. He also looked into how the Witnesses practiced their beliefs and was amazed to learn that they really did! He quickly appreciated that they were zealous in living their faith and in showing love to one another. Now he began to study in earnest. He finished his study in the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life in twenty-three days. Then he wrote his last magazine article. It was about the Creator, Jehovah, and his wonderful purpose for mankind. Within one month he had stopped smoking and also resigned from the magazine staff. From the second month he began to proclaim God’s kingdom from door to door with the Witnesses, and from the third month he was devoting a hundred and more hours a month to this. Very soon he was baptized, and he continues to devote his full time to God’s service, conducting ten home Bible studies of his own with interested people. He himself now rejoices in having a living faith.

‘A Door Leading to Activity Opens’

“A large door that leads to activity has been opened.”—1 Cor. 16:9.

1. According to Acts 14:15; 17:30; Titus 3:4, 5 and 1 John 5:13, what did Jehovah God do in the first century C.E., and what privilege did this open up to individuals?

OVER nineteen hundred years ago a new era dawned. It opened up marvelous opportunities that to this day have not been closed. The Most High God, by means of his firstborn Son, extended to people of all tribes, nations and races the privilege of serving him with never-ending life in view.—Acts 14:15; 17:30; Titus 3:4, 5; 1 John 5:13.

2. (a) With whom had Jehovah God dealt exclusively for centuries before our Common Era? (b) Why did only the Jews know the One whom they were worshiping?

2 For centuries before the time of Jesus’ coming to the earth Jehovah God dealt exclusively with the Israelites, or Jews. They alone “were entrusted with the sacred pronouncements of God.” (Rom. 3:2) Only natural Israelites or Gentiles associating with them in worship could gain an understanding of Jehovah’s revealed purpose. That is why Jesus could say to a Samaritan woman: “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know.” (John 4:22) The Samaritans accepted the Pentateuch, or five books of Moses, but rejected the rest of the inspired Hebrew Scriptures. Hence, their knowledge of the true God Jehovah was defective. They did not know him to the extent that he had revealed himself. However, Jews who accepted all the Hebrew Scriptures as inspired of God and who endeavored to worship according to the way outlined in those Scriptures certainly knew the One whom they were venerating. They worshiped according to the divinely designated arrangement centered at the temple in Jerusalem.—Deut. 12:5, 6; 1 Ki. 14:21.

3. (a) To what change in worship did Jesus Christ point when speaking to a Samaritan woman? (b) What evidence is there in the Hebrew Scriptures that there would, in time, be a change in the arrangement for pure worship?

3 However, in speaking to the Samaritan woman, Jesus indicated that a change was at hand. He said: “The hour is coming when neither in this mountain [Gerizim, regarded as sacred by the Samaritans] nor in Jerusalem will you people worship the Father.” (John 4:21) Foregleams regarding such a change had already been provided in the Hebrew Scriptures. Jehovah God, by means of his prophet Jeremiah, had declared that a new covenant would replace the old Law covenant. (Jer. 31:31-34) Through the inspired psalmist David, the Most High had revealed that the high priestly office would be bestowed upon one not of the line of Aaron. This one would be a king-priest as was Melchizedek of ancient Salem. At Psalm 110:4 we read: “Jehovah has sworn (and he will feel no regret): ‘You are a priest to time indefinite according to the manner of Melchizedek!’” This change in the priesthood also called for a different sacrifice. This, too, had been pointed to prophetically. Psalm 40:6 tells us: “Sacrifice and offering you did not delight in; these ears of mine you opened up [“but a body you prepared,” Septuagint Version]. Burnt offering and sin offering you did not ask for.”

4. Why can acceptable worship be rendered only through Jesus Christ?

4 From the Christian Greek Scriptures we learn that Jesus Christ is the Mediator of the new covenant, that he is the king-priest according to the manner of Melchizedek and that his perfect human body constitutes the divinely acceptable atoning sacrifice. (Heb. 7:15-28; 8:6; 9:15; 10:1-10) Accordingly, acceptance of Jesus Christ as the sole means to approach the Father became essential for all desiring to worship in the right manner. The Son of God said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Along with this change in worship came the grand opportunity for individuals to become part of the new nation of spiritual Israel, with “citizenship” in the kingdom of the heavens.—Phil. 3:20.

5. What did Jesus’ disciples have to do in order that others might learn about the way to worship God acceptably? (Rom. 10:10-15)

5 But how would people learn about this? The answer is found in the commission that Jesus Christ gave his disciples after his resurrection from the dead: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) Yes, there was a work to be done in proclaiming and teaching God’s truth to others. During the three and a half years that Jesus Christ taught publicly, the apostles and other disciples had been trained to do that important work. On account of this vital activity, other opportunities opened up to those who were able and willing to make themselves available for service.

THE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION BEGINS FUNCTIONING

6. When did the Christian congregation have its start, and how did Jehovah show that he was no longer using the Jewish congregation?

6 Came the day of Pentecost of the year 33 C.E. That date marks the start of the Christian congregation. Unmistakable evidence was then provided that the congregation God was now using consisted of his Son’s disciples. On that day, the Most High, through the Lord Jesus Christ, poured out the holy spirit on about 120 disciples assembled in an upper room of a house at Jerusalem. This outpouring of the spirit was preceded by “a noise just like that of a rushing stiff breeze.” That noise attracted the attention of many Jews and proselytes, causing them to assemble in the vicinity of the house where the disciples were located. These disciples, empowered by the holy spirit, began speaking in foreign languages “about the magnificent things of God.” The Jews and the proselytes who had come to Jerusalem from distant places were simply amazed to hear their native tongues being spoken by Galileans.—Acts 2:1-12.

7. How could Jews and proselytes become members of the Christian congregation?

7 The apostle Peter then explained to the assembled throng that God’s spirit had been poured out in fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. Continuing, he showed that Jesus, whom they had impaled, had been resurrected from the dead and that he was indeed the Christ, King David’s Lord, seated at the right hand of God. What was the response to Peter’s words? The account tells us: “When they heard this they were stabbed to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: ‘Men, brothers, what shall we do?’” Peter answered: “Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the free gift of the holy spirit.” About 3,000 persons acted on this encouragement.—Acts 2:14-41.

8. What arrangements were made to enable those who had come to Jerusalem from distant places to remain so as to benefit from the teaching of the apostles?

8 These new believers and the many others who came into association with the Christian congregation thereafter had much to learn. The apostles, who had been personally trained by Jesus Christ, were certainly in the best position to teach them. But the apostles could not travel to all the distant parts of the earth from which Jews and proselytes had come to Jerusalem. In order to be able to devote themselves to the teaching of the apostles, therefore, the new converts extended their stay in the city. They were assisted to do so when many of their fellow believers voluntarily sold their possessions and turned over the funds to the apostles for distribution to needy ones.—Acts 2:44, 45; 4:34, 35.

9. As the Jerusalem congregation grew in size, what appointments were made, and why?

9 The growth of the Jerusalem congregation opened up opportunities for others besides the apostles to serve in caring for the needs of all. Very early in the history of the congregation we read of young men who evidently rendered manual services for the apostles. They may have been regularly on hand for running necessary errands. (Acts 5:6, 9, 10) What fine training for the future these young men were receiving by being in close association with the apostles! In time, the relief work became just too much for the apostles to supervise. When a problem arose in connection with the distributing of food to needy widows, the apostles realized that it would be inappropriate to slight their teaching responsibilities to look after this less important matter. Hence, they invited the brothers in the congregation to select from among themselves seven qualified men to handle the daily distribution of food. After having prayed, the apostles appointed these men by the laying on of hands. All seven were men of outstanding spiritual qualifications, “full of spirit and wisdom.” (Acts 6:1-6) Also, as the congregation grew, the apostles must have appointed capable men “full of spirit and wisdom” to serve along with them as elders in caring for the spiritual needs of the disciples.

CONTACT MAINTAINED WITH NEW CONGREGATIONS

10. (a) What effect did a severe outbreak of persecution against the Jerusalem congregation have on the spread of the “good news”? (b) How did the body of elders at Jerusalem maintain contact with other congregations?

10 Soon after the establishment of the congregation at Jerusalem a great persecution arose against it, forcing most of the disciples to leave the city. Those who were scattered seized the opportunity to spread the “good news.” As a result, congregations sprang up in such cities as Samaria and Antioch. (Acts 8:1, 4-8; 11:19-21) When news about these congregations and their needs reached Jerusalem, arrangements were made, doubtless by the body of elders there, to provide spiritual help. The apostles Peter and John were sent to the city of Samaria and, as they returned to Jerusalem, made it a point to declare the “good news” in many Samaritan villages. (Acts 8:14-17, 25) We also read of Peter’s later visiting congregations at Lydda and Joppa. (Acts 9:32-43) It was from Joppa that Peter, at the direction of God’s spirit, went to Caesarea, there to open up for the first time to uncircumcised Gentiles—Cornelius, his household and intimate friends—the opportunity to become disciples of Jesus Christ.—Acts 10:23-48.

11. Why did Barnabas go to Antioch, and how did he get help for building up the congregation there?

11 The Jerusalem congregation sent the disciple Barnabas to Antioch, where he did much to encourage his fellow believers. (Acts 11:22-24) Since he needed help in advancing true worship in that city, Barnabas took the initiative to search for Paul in Tarsus and to invite him to share in the work at Antioch. This was probably some twelve years after Paul, a former persecutor of Christ’s followers, had become a believer. Together, Paul and Barnabas spent a year with the Antioch congregation. (Acts 11:25, 26) During this time prophets from Jerusalem would visit the Antioch congregation. (Acts 11:27) One of these prophets, Agabus, foretold a great famine. This prompted the Antioch congregation to organize relief measures for the brothers in Judea and then to send Paul and Barnabas with their contribution to Jerusalem. (Acts 11:28-30) Accompanied by John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, the two men returned to Antioch.—Acts 12:25.

12. (a) Why did Paul and Barnabas leave Antioch to open up new territories? (b) How did the new congregations that they established come to have bodies of elders? (c) How did the Antioch congregation learn about the activity of Paul and Barnabas?

12 Thereafter the holy spirit directed that Paul and Barnabas be set aside for special work. (Acts 13:1, 2) In harmony with the spirit’s guidance, Paul and Barnabas traveled through Cyprus and parts of Asia Minor, preaching the “good news” and establishing new congregations. On revisiting these congregations they appointed elders to care for the spiritual needs of the disciples. (Acts 14:21-23) Returning to Antioch, they ‘gathered the congregation together and related the many things that God had done by means of them and that he had opened to the nations the door to faith.’—Acts 14:27.

13. (a) Why did a problem arise in the Antioch congregation respecting Gentile believers? (b) Why was it logical for the matter to be decided at Jerusalem?

13 Then a problem arose. Certain brothers from Judea came to Antioch, insisting that non-Jews who embraced Christianity had to be circumcised and charged to obey the law of Moses. Otherwise they could not gain salvation. (Acts 15:1) Where could this matter be settled? The most logical place would be Jerusalem, as that was the congregation with which the apostles were associated. Moreover, it was from there that the work of preaching and making disciples had spread out to all the many places where congregations were then located. Hence, the elders of the Jerusalem congregation occupied the position of a central body to which other elders could direct inquiries. So we find that Paul and Barnabas were sent to the “apostles and older men in Jerusalem regarding [the circumcision] dispute.”—Acts 15:2.

14. (a) How did the central body of elders at Jerusalem go about resolving the circumcision issue? (Acts 15:6-21) (b) How were other congregations informed regarding the decision that was reached? (Act 15:22-29)

14 The central body of elders, including the apostles, thoroughly discussed the matter. Testimony was presented showing that God himself had accepted the non-Jews in their uncircumcised state, pouring out his spirit upon them. It thus became clear that the bringing of the Gentiles into association with the Christian congregation fulfilled Hebrew Scripture prophecy. A decision was reached and written up in letter form. (Acts 15:6-21) This letter stated:

“The apostles and the older men, brothers, to those brothers in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the nations: Greetings! Since we have heard that some from among us have caused you trouble with speeches, trying to subvert your souls, although we did not give them any instructions, we have come to a unanimous accord and have favored choosing men to send to you together with our loved ones, Barnabas and Paul, men that have delivered up their souls for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are therefore dispatching Judas and Silas, that they also may report the same things by word. For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things, to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!”—Acts 15:23-29.

15. How did the decisions of the central body of elders at Jerusalem and the visits of faithful brothers help the congregations?

15 Through such letters from the central body of elders at Jerusalem and the visits of various faithful brothers, the congregations were built up and strengthened to continue declaring the “good news” and helping fellow believers to remain firm in the faith. (Acts 15:30-32; 16:4, 5) Additionally, inspired letters from Paul, Peter, James, Jude and John did much to fortify the disciples spiritually.

16. (a) What opportunities for service did the Christian era open up for all disciples, both men and women? (Matt. 28:19, 20; Gal. 2:9; 6:10; 1 Tim. 5:10; Titus 2:3-5) (b) What other opportunities for service opened up to capable men who made themselves available?

16 Truly, the beginning of the Christian era opened up grand opportunities for service. All disciples, both men and women, had the privilege of proclaiming the “good news,” and of encouraging fellow believers and helping them in time of difficulty or in spiritual ways. Evangelizers were needed to get the “good news” declared in new territories. There was also a need for capable brothers who could spend time in visiting and working with congregations for a period of time to strengthen them and to share in making appointments of elders and congregational servants. Since a heavy load of responsibility fell on these traveling brothers, they were helped by young men who could run errands for them and in other ways render personal services. What about today? Are opportunities of this kind still open?

[Picture on page 333]

Peter explains the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy to assembled Jews and proselytes

[Picture on page 336]

When Gentiles were taken into the Christian congregation, the central body of elders gave directions to maintain unity

Can You Enter the Open Door?

“I have set before you an opened door, which no one can shut.”—Rev. 3:8.

1. Why are grand opportunities for service still available in the Christian congregation?

THE command of Jesus Christ for his followers to preach and to make disciples is still vitally urgent. This is clear from his assurance: “Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 28:20) Hence, many grand opportunities for service are still to be enjoyed today as “this good news of the kingdom” continues to be preached vigorously from door to door. (Matt. 24:14) Also, due to the growth of the congregation of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses world wide, there is a great need for capable and willing workers to build up fellow believers and to render other vital services for the advancement of spiritual interests. Additionally, people everywhere need to hear the “good news” so that they can take a stand for it or against it before the execution of God’s righteous judgment upon the present ungodly world.

2. (a) Why is centralized, coordinated direction needed in the Christian congregation? (b) Through whom did the head of the congregation provide this direction in the first century C.E.?

2 To accomplish all that is necessary in an orderly way, obviously there must be some centralized, coordinated direction. (1 Cor. 14:33) In the first century C.E., the head of the congregation, Jesus Christ, provided this through the apostles and other elders of the Jerusalem congregation. Also, Paul, who had been directly chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ as an apostle to the nations, did much to build up the congregations spiritually. The manner in which Paul and his associates fulfilled their commission from Jesus to preach and make disciples was acknowledged as fully acceptable by the body of elders at Jerusalem.—Gal. 2:1-9.

3, 4. (a) Why are men associated with the publishing agency of Jehovah’s Witnesses rightly providing centralized, coordinated help for fellow believers world wide? (b) What is a prime responsibility of elders, and how has this been discharged by the governing body at Brooklyn Bethel?

3 What about today? Very early in the modern history of Jehovah’s Witnesses members of the oldest congregation came to be associated with their publishing agency, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Today, living at “Bethel,” the hive of activity centered at the headquarters of the Watch Tower Society in Brooklyn, New York, there are over 250 persons who have energetically pursued spiritual interests for more than ten years. Many have done so far longer. They have spent a lifetime in faithful service to Jehovah God as devoted disciples of his Son. During this time they have gained a wealth of experience in Christian living and in helping fellow believers with their problems. They have also deepened their understanding of God’s Word. Among these are those dedicated men who constitute the governing body for the worldwide congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. While there are many capable, experienced brothers elsewhere, at no one location on earth are so many elders available for immediate consultation. At Brooklyn Bethel, therefore, can be found an excellent representation of Christian knowledge and experience that have been gained up to this time by the worldwide congregation of God’s people. Much the same can be said regarding the smaller Bethel families associated with the branch offices of the Watch Tower Society in other parts of the earth.

4 Understandably, when elders in other congregations are faced with perplexing problems, they write to the Society or its branches for Scriptural assistance. At times Biblical answers provided would be of great benefit to all the congregations throughout the earth. When that is the case, as in the first century C.E., written material is prepared. Furthermore, since one of the prime responsibilities of elders is to teach, the central body of elders, through its committees, supervises the preparation and publication of information designed to provide spiritual instruction for persons both inside and outside the Christian congregation world wide.

5. What vital work is accomplished at Bethel, and why is every individual working there needed?

5 Manifestly a sizable staff is needed at Brooklyn to care for all the vital work of providing help and direction in furthering spiritual interests throughout the earth, including relief measures whenever necessary. While some are directly involved in preparing Biblical information or in directing what needs to be done for the association of brothers, all the others render important services that make it possible for this material to reach the ends of the earth. Many of those serving at Bethel, therefore, occupy a position comparable to that of Timothy, Mark and others who acted as attendants for elders in the first-century congregation. Without them, the governing body would find it very difficult to care for the spiritual interests of the congregations world wide.

BETHEL SERVICE

6. (a) Why are especially young men needed at Bethel? (b) As illustrated in the case of Timothy, what should be expected of one who makes himself available for Bethel service?

6 Since much of the work done at Bethela requires physical strength and stamina, especially young men are needed. If you are a young man, have you ever given thought to making yourself available for hard manual labor in behalf of your spiritual brothers, as well as for those who might become such? Of course, it is not just a matter of being able and willing to serve. Spiritual qualifications are also involved. In the case of Timothy, for example, we read: “He was well reported on by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.” (Acts 16:2) Yes, Timothy had proved himself to be a young man of fine reputation both in his home congregation, evidently in Lystra, and in the neighboring congregation in Iconium. By his words and actions he must have gained the respect and confidence of fellow believers. Though young, he was well grounded in the Scriptures, having been taught these from infancy by his mother and grandmother.—2 Tim. 3:14, 15.

7. (a) What evidently was the commendable attitude of the elders in Lystra and of Eunice respecting Timothy’s serving with Paul? (b) In connection with Bethel service, who today could benefit from this example, and why?

7 Young men with Timothy’s qualifications are certainly an asset to any congregation. Doubtless the brothers in Lystra very much appreciated what Timothy was able to do in their behalf. He must also have been a real source of encouragement to his mother Eunice, especially since his father was an unbeliever. Yet, when the apostle Paul expressed the desire that Timothy accompany him in his travels, the body of elders did not selfishly try to keep the young man in their congregation. No, these elders evidently joined the apostle in laying their hands upon Timothy, thereby setting him apart for special service. (Acts 16:3; 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6) So when qualified young men today desire to make themselves available for service at Bethel, it is indeed commendable when elders and believing family members encourage them and give them wholehearted support.

8. Why was Timothy’s special service with the apostle Paul demanding?

8 Though service at Bethel brings rich spiritual rewards, it is not easy. But neither was Timothy’s assignment an easy one. Besides working under the apostle Paul’s direction in advancing spiritual interests, Timothy apparently also labored with his hands to provide for his personal needs. (Compare 2 Corinthians 12:14-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7, 8.) He shared the dangers and problems that the apostle described in his second letter to the Corinthians: “In journeys often, in dangers from rivers, in dangers, from highwaymen, in dangers from my own race, in dangers from the nations, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers among false brothers, in labor and toil, in sleepless nights often, in hunger and thirst, in abstinence from food many times, in cold and nakedness.”—2 Cor. 11:26, 27.

9. What enabled Timothy to persevere in his special service instead of returning home to enjoy a more settled way of life?

9 Despite all of this, Timothy continued to labor in cooperation with Paul, not just for a short period, but for some fifteen years, yes, evidently until the apostle’s death as a martyr. What made it possible for Timothy to stick to the work rather than to return to his home congregation for a more settled way of life? It was his sincere desire to serve others regardless of the personal cost to himself. The apostle Paul could say respecting Timothy: “I have no one else of a disposition like his who will genuinely care for the things pertaining to you. For all the others are seeking their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know the proof he gave of himself, that like a child with a father he slaved with me in furtherance of the good news.” (Phil. 2:20-22) Furthermore, Timothy was humble, recognizing his own limitations. He did not capitalize on his association with Paul and proudly assert his authority. (Compare 1 Timothy 4:11-14; 2 Timothy 1:6, 7; 2:1.) Of course, through his laboring with the apostle, Timothy learned much and was eventually qualified to shoulder the responsibilities of an elder in the Christian congregation.

10. (a) As is evident from Timothy’s example, what qualities are essential for being happy in one’s serving in behalf of others? (b) What are the bad effects of pride, desire for prominence and selfishness, and what should one do when noticing a measure of these undesirable traits in some fellow believers?

10 As in the case of Timothy, humility, a spirit of self-sacrifice and an intense interest in the welfare of others are essential for happy service at Bethel or anywhere else in Jehovah’s organization. Wherever one may serve, pride, desire for prominence and selfishness not only diminish personal happiness but also make life unpleasant for others. Being imperfect, God’s servants have to continue to fight against these undesirable traits and they should not allow themselves to become overly disturbed by the noticeable failings of others in this respect. One’s cultivating the right spirit is always worth the effort, for the real reward will come, not from men, but from Jehovah God. Furthermore, one’s setting a good example can have a wholesome, upbuilding effect on others.

SERVING AS A PIONEER OR HELPING OUT IN ANOTHER LOCATION

11. What opportunities are open in connection with preaching and disciple-making, and what should motivate one’s seizing them? (Matt. 22:37-39)

11 Bethel service, of course, is a door of opportunity that does not open to all those associated with congregations of God’s people world wide. But there are other fine opportunities that are open in connection with the work that must be done. For example, servants of God are privileged to devote all the time that they can make available to the important work of preaching and making disciples. There is no limit to the time that they may spend in this service. All of us surely want to be whole-souled in it. For many, this may mean being able to devote some sixty hours monthly to this work as an “auxiliary pioneer” or some ninety hours or more monthly as a “regular pioneer.” Have you entered the open door of pioneer activity or are you planning to do so? As you pioneer let your motive for sharing in this service continue to be love for Jehovah God and your fellow humans.

12. How does the apostle Paul’s example illustrate what is required of those who would be successful in taking up sacred service in another location?

12 Just as Paul and Barnabas began serving with the Antioch congregation because of the great need there, you may be in a position to move to another location to advance spiritual interests. Again, humility, self-sacrifice and a keen interest in the welfare of others can be a big help in making needed adjustments to a new environment. This was true of the apostle Paul, who could say of himself: “Though I am free from all persons, I have made myself the slave to all, that I may gain the most persons. . . . I have become all things to people of all sorts.” (1 Cor. 9:19-22) “I have learned, in whatever circumstances I am, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to be low on provisions, I know indeed how to have an abundance.” (Phil. 4:11, 12) With full trust in Jehovah, Paul was able to bear up under very trying circumstances.

13. Why should a person contemplating missionary service count the cost, and what are some things that he might consider prayerfully about his being able to share in this service?

13 Today serving in another area, or perhaps as a missionary in another part of the world, requires making sacrifices and being willing to slave in behalf of others. These things need to be given prayerful thought beforehand. (Compare Luke 14:28-32.) For example, a person who has always had an automobile available for his service should consider whether he would be willing to walk for miles over rough terrain or with the hot sun beating down upon him, or whether he would be willing to put up with crowded or sporadic public transportation facilities. If he balks at such things now, then he may have great difficulty in adjusting to a totally new and strange environment. Likewise, persons who have a hard time in adapting to different circumstances and surroundings and to people with varying backgrounds, customs, living standards and habits, should recognize that they must ‘work at it’ in order to qualify for evangelizing work in a foreign field.

OPPORTUNITIES IN SLAVING AS SERVANTS AND ELDERS

14. What is required of those who are appointed as servants or as elders in the congregation?

14 Ministering to fellow believers in the capacity of servants or elders is a door of opportunity that is open to men in the Christian congregation. The qualifications set forth in the Scriptures make it clear that those thus serving must be spiritual persons, fine examples in Christian living, yes, men who have the respect and confidence of the congregation as a whole. (1 Tim. 3:1-10, 12, 13; Titus 1:5-9) Because elders have teaching responsibilities, they should also be men who are careful students of God’s Word. A man who rarely reads the Bible and has perhaps never read it in its entirety could hardly be considered qualified to teach it to fellow believers.—Compare 1 Timothy 1:6, 7; James 3:1.

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The Watchtower, June 1, 1977